Going to Phoenix in April with a twelve and fifteen year old (both girl) for 3 days. Biltmore or Princess/Scottsdale? Suggestions for what to do is appreciated.

i just stayed at the phonecian (princess). it was lovely. there are several pools, gardens, walkways, and a water slide park. i don't know what the biltmore has to offer, but i would definitely recommend the princess. the food is great, too.

have fun.

I was at the Princess for a conference recently. It is beautiful. The pools looked fabulous.

lily,
having stayed at both, i would say i personally prefer the biltmore, but for the 12 and 15 year old the phoenician may have more to do and it tends to provide a bit more of a relaxed atmosphere.

both are lovely, and you will not be disappointed with whichever you choose. personally, i would check out the current activities for kids at both places and let those activities drive my choice.

don't have much to offer, but the first post is a bit confused
The princess is in north scottsdale (Near Frank Lloyd Wright and Scottsdale Raod)while the Phoenician is a resort in Phoenix at the scottsdale border(Camelback and Scottsdale Road)
The Princess is in the Suburbs near new restaurants (cheesecake factory, pf changs etc ) while the Biltmore is more in the heart of the city (but the grounds are spacious and beautiful and near the north phoenix mountains. The biltmore is near a very upscale shopping section with lots of night life and restaurants (cheesecake factory here too). Cant go wrong at either place. Biltmore may be a bit more old phoenix but it is in a great area...your call!

Just because of the location, I would pick the Biltmore...one of our nicest and most beautiful shopping centers, Biltmore Fashion Park, is very close, along with many restaurants and movie theaters. It is also a great location for getting around the city.

Dear Lily,
I agree with Dave and Lizzy is a little confused! I happen to live in Scottsdale. The choices you mentioned are all top notch! The Phoenician "is not" the Princess Resort. The Biltmore and the Phoenician are both central. The Princess is north, but still close to everything. They are all close to fine dining and shopping, although I may have another suggestion that either you did'nt know about or overlooked! The Hyatt Gainey Ranch, great location wonderful grounds, awesome pools and I think a better value over-all. I personally have stayed at all of them. You cannot go wrong with any of them. The Phoenician has been rated one of the top resorts in the world for several years running.If you truly enjoy fine dining (Mary Elaine's) at the Phoenician is 5 star+ and the best late night views in the valley. If you would like any other help I would be more than happy to help out! restaurants etc.

Sorry to have confused everyone. I meant Scottsdale Princess Hotel. Thanks Scott, I am looking into Hyatt. I heard good things about Hyatt. Can you recommend restaurants in the area and what to do?

Dear Lily,
It sounds like maybe three girls traveling together? Well if you stay at the Hyatt or the Phoenician you are within a short distance to fashion square. "Huge" mall , but with several restaurants. PF Changs a real local and favorite and popular among celebs into town. I saw Tiger Woods and Micheal Jordan there my last time. If you like Chinese this is a great place and reasonable. I guess I'll just give you some places where my wife and I like to eat and you can get the conceirge opinions to compare! Marco polo, Eddies at 24th street,Roaring fork, Houstons, Earls,Sams cafe,Tarbels, Banderas, these are a few places that you could take children plus you could also enjoy the dining experience! If you want to be touristy there is the Hard Rock cafe on Camelback. Enjoy I'm sure the weather will be wonderful! Lots of sun screen.

The Pink Pony in old Scottsdale and can someone tell Lily the wonderful old restaurant that is known for it's cinnamon rolls at brunch? Let the girls shop for silver jewelry in Old Scottsdale and then try to go to the Heard Museum to see the Kachina dolls. We have always stayed at the Phoenician and though we don't have kids with us, I think kids would really enjoy all the pools and the desert garden hike behind the hotel.

El Chorro on Lincoln Drive is the restaurant that serves great sticky buns and you can eat outside when weather permits, which is almost all the time.